[Mission] Climb the Highest Mountain...

[Mortalvis]

Hardened snow crunched beneath the heavy boot's of a large, abundantly-dressed man. He stood at the head of a group of five other people, fighting against the frigid mountain winds as he led them onward.

From the ground, staring up at the mountains that littered the landscape made them look all that more treacherous. Their icy peaks were miles away, and with the blowing snow, winding mountainside paths, and freezing conditions, an attempt to climb one of their jagged bodies seemed to be like begging for death.

Of these mountains, the bundled man stopped in front of one that had clearly been restructured to offer a man-made path up parts of its side. Small, rickety bridges filled in gaps in its natural, earthen road, covered in powdered snow and hardly a sight for sore eyes.

"Alright folks," the man began, turning to face the group.

"This is it. Kanrei sits at its peak. We're not so sure how far up the mishap happened, but there's no doubt that it's somewhere near the village." Stepping forward, he pulled out a small paper with the mission briefing written on it and handed it to Katsuo.

"All you have to remember is that you leave contact with the village to your falconer and you leave alone whatever you discover. Happy trails."

Eager to leave, the escort took it without wasting another second, abandoning the group at the foot of the mountain.

Once out of earshot, the falconer dipped his head.

"Her wings will ice over out here... what don't they get about that?" he muttered helplessly, gently stroking his falcon's head.

"They're sending us up a bloody mountain. I doubt they thought any of it through," chimed a thin, athletic man clad in a sporty, yet warm attire.

"Aye, but we've got Kumo's Bleedin' Heart and The Illusionist with us. You really think we've got anything to worry about?" came a strong, female voice from an equally as strong-looking, dark-skinned woman.

The other two nodded a little, but did not lift their heads.

"So, Katsuo? Genkaku? Shall we?"

[OoC: The girl is Aozora. The athletic guy is Kashisu and he's your scouting expert. Ourin is your falconer and is not a trained shinobi.]

[seiuchiblarg]

(May I ask the rank of our NPC comrades?)

The way up would be cold, treacherous, and unforgiving, but Katsuo didn't blanch at the task. If nothing else, he looked forward to it as a chance to train -- though being ordered not to engage made him question Kumo's trust in his mettle. It made no difference. Katsuo would complete the mission, and that was all there was to it. At least he'd been able to go on this bleak and dreary trip with a comrade. "Lead the way, Kashisu-Sama." With their scout in front, Katsuo and the rest of the party would have more security in the safety of the ground beneath them.

Kumo's Bleeding Heart kept close to Aorin. A falconer, and the only non-shinobi member of their group, he would require the most protection, and Katsuo would be glad to offer it. Where Genkaku went was up to him, but Katsuo's eyes were busier on the path ahead. The bridges, in particular, looked unsafe even from where they stood. He did not look forward to crossing those -- although he acknowledged that if none of his party had a means to strengthen them, Katsuo would probably be the first to test it, being far and away the heaviest of the group, thanks to his vest. If it could take his weight, it would easily take that of his comrades.

[Satorose]

Genkaku decided it would be fine if Kashisu did lead the way as Katsuo had suggested so he didn't comment on that; however, once they got closer to the bridge Genkaku did speak up. "I think we should let Katsuo cross the bridge first, not only is he the biggest of us all, but he's also a strong Shinobi who can watch out for himself for the most part. I on the other hand will go last, because I can possibly help anyone who gets into trouble as they cross the bridge... However, I'm up for suggestions if anyone else can think of something else better."

OOC: Sorry for the lame post, but I'm getting ready for a basketball game.

[Mortalvis]

[OoC: Aozora is a Chuunin and Kashisu is a Sp Jounin. I figure since you're both Jounin that it'd be overkill to have another.]

"Alright, I can deal with that." Kashisu eyed the mountainside, giving it a once over to provide a few guesstimates to his group. "Might be more than a day's travel, just so you all know. We've got more than enough supplies, but no one said anything about a place to rest. Figures, huh?"

"Can we please hurry? I'm already chilled to the bones," Ourin whimpered, imploring Aozora and Kashisu with his large, brown gaze.

"Alright, alright, hold your horses. Now if everyone's ready... "

And so the ascent began. Kashisu stood in the lead, Aozora at his side, and Ourin tagging closely behind. The path was wide enough for them to stand in pairs and still have a little breathing room.

"So far, so good," Aozora chimed, a smile cracking her lips.

"Don't jynx it. Hell, don't even mention it. I can already see where we'll start to lose the path under snow--oh, great, look. The first bridge." Groaning and whining were second nature to Kashisu. A born pessimist, it was a wonder why he was even in his line of work.

"Aozora, switch places with Katsuo. He's going to be the first across it," the scout mentioned minutes later. The first plank was under the tips of his toes, and he looked across it with a growing sensation of dread. "Genkaku--if nothing goes wrong when Katsuo crosses, we're still going to need you to make sure Ourin crosses safely. I think Aozora can handle herself."

Aozora said nothing as she made her way to the back of lot, motioning for Katsuo to move to the front.

[seiuchiblarg]

Taking the head of the group, Katsuo took the first few steps with care. He worried that between his own body weight and that of his training vest, he was too much for the bridge. But then, if it could take his weight with the addition of his vest, it would easily be able to handle all the others. Slowly, gently, as lightly-footed as Katsuo could, he made his way across. If the bridge were to snap, it would most likely be while he was in the middle of it; when his weight had the least dispersion into either end. Step after step, Katsuo made his way, more or less waiting for the bridge to snap under him. His hopes for the thing were not exactly high. First thing that needs to be done when we get home, Katsuo decided, is to alert to how dreadfully isolated these people are. These bridges, these mountains, all of it... we need to be able to more easily access them.

[Satorose]

Genkaku stood on the sidelines watching Katsuo as he started to cross the bridge. Genkaku's hands were up and he was ready to begin a Jutsu if Katsuo was to get into any trouble. The same thing that Katsuo had thought Genkaku was also thinking, if the way from Kumogakure to this village was this dreadful, then it was apparent why they hadn't come to Kumogakure to ask for help yet.

Would the bridge fall apart underneath the weight of Katsuo or not? Only time could tell... And yet Genkaku watching intently not wanting to lose focus and in doing so lose an ally and a friend.

[Mortalvis]

The bridge, while in questionable condition, gave a few scares and was done. It held beneath Katsuo's weight, and the eerie, echoing moan of the dilapidated wooden structure lingered after he had made it to the other side.

Where the remainder of the group still stood, there seemed to be looks of relief shared among Aozora, Ourin and Kashisu.

"Ah, Fortune is in the cards for us, it seems," the dark-skinned woman cooed, a pleasant smile returning to her strong features.

"Yeah, yeah, you say that, but this was only the first one. We've got, oh, you know, seven or eight more to cross, with half of those being covered in so much snow we may as well jump off of the mountain and save ourselves the unpleasantness of dropping a load in our pants in the meantime." Kashisu's eyes narrowed, his mouth forming a hard line on his face.

"Are we going to go across now?" Ourin looked to be growing anxious, his gaze shifting between Kashisu, Katsuo, and the falcon perched upon his forearm. The robust, proud bird was less so in these conditions, her body pulled tightly into itself.

"Yeah, yeah, we're going to cross now." Taking a deep breath, Kashisu took a step out onto the bridge. He was light, agile and more or less able to cross the bridge with half of the moaning and groaning that it gave when Katsuo did the same.

"Well, Aozora? You going to see how much fortune is on your side?" Kashisu's snide expression was met by a crossed look from Aozora, and the woman stepped forward for her turn at crossing the bridge.

Although heavier than her antagonist, she too made it across with less trouble than was feared at the beginning.

"Ourin, your turn. Don't worry, I'm sure Genkaku is quick enough to catch you if you fall."

The young falconer looked back at the shinobi behind him. All his trust had embodied itself in that brief stare, and he moved forward to the bridge soon after.

"Here goes..." First step: not unlike the others. The short, albeit frightful, trip across the bridge was a success, and all that was left was for Genkaku to cross.

Up ahead, the conditions were about to become unfavorable. Just as Kashisu said, the path was soon to disappear under a layer of powdered snow. The next bridge wouldn't be too far away either, but the group had some time to plan in that stretch.

[OoC: Sorry, guys, nothing too exciting just yet. You guys are free to move on ahead and decide what happens in this next stretch.]

[seiuchiblarg]

The bridge held, and Katsuo released the breath he'd been holding in. If it could hold his weight, it would likely hold the combined weight of all his team mates combined! The journey continued from there, Kashisu leading the way once more, with Katsuo taking his place beside Ourin. Having spent large amounts of his training to climbing the mountains of Kumogakure no Sato, Katsuo was well aware of just how cold it could get up there. Kumo's Bleeding Heart eyed the bird warily, looking further up the path as they moved along. "You're probably going to need to find a way to keep that bird of yours warm after a while, Ourin-san." Katsuo knew that Genkaku had the ability to use Fire element ninjutsu. Perhaps he could The path was already beginning to frost over, gentle snow falls crunching beneath their boots, with ice waiting to trip them underneath.

Katsuo's own footfalls were balanced and controlled, allowing him to stay up. He stood ready to catch Ourin and his bird if they fell. They continued for a long while, the snow piling higher, the ice becoming harsher, and the terrain seeming to get steeper by the minute. Katsuo couldn't help but think to himself that he'd be happy to come back here just as a training exercise after the mission itself was finished. A wind began to pick up, and Katsuo thought he may have heard Kitsushin cursing at it. Katsuo felt the need to do the same. Wind would not do anything to make this easier, and it looked as though their climb would involve a nearly sheer wall soon!

[Satorose]

Genkaku crossed the bridge safely, then began following Katsuo and the other people, keeping his guard up, as he was prepared for anything on a moment's notice.

As Katsuo pointed out Ourin's bird appeared to need some form of heat, so pulling his sword off of his back Genkaku began making hand signs running Katon Chakra through his sword until it was slightly on fire. Holding the sword out near the bird and it's owner, Genkaku kept the sword close enough where the heat would rub off on the bird, but not burn it.

"I hope that's at least somewhat more comfortable for you two." Genkaku said kindly to the man and his pet bird.

JutsuShow

Danbouken (Heating Sword)
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
The Heating Sword Ninjutsu was created by Genkaku Hanappari, and it allows him to run Katon chakra through his sword (or other blades, like kunai’s etc) to make them warm up to extreme temperatures or even catch on fire. The object heats up to extreme temperatures or becomes engulfed in flames, which can either cause burns on the person it touches, or it can be used to activate some of Genkaku's Genjutsu. This Jutsu can last for any amount of time, depending on if Genkaku wants to keep it active or not. The longer it stays ignited, the more chakra he burns. This Jutsu can be activated by one handed hand seals.

[Mortalvis]

And all the while, the group was barely a fifth of the way up the mountain. Its treacherous, unrelenting paths were becoming more so, and as the chilling winds, blowing snow, and icy conditions factored themselves in, there would be equal parts luck and skill involved in the group's climb.

In the meanwhile, Aozora and Kashisu had begun to huddle close to one another as they moved forward, while Ourin stayed back, gathering warmth from Genkaku's sword. Although he had been wary of being so close to something so... dangerous, the falconer could hardly pass it up when he knew his companion needed it. The bird upon his forearm had already returned from a near cold-induced coma, and she looked to be wide-eyed and alert now. Ourin could do nothing but pass a thankful smile at the jounin, which spoke for his appreciation just as easily as words.

Up ahead, the second bridge came and went. It was only lightly covered in snow, as most had been negated thanks to a jagged piece of rock which sheltered it from above. There were no problems crossing it, which was a relief, because the group wouldn't be so lucky at the next.

As they continued, Aozora dropped back to join Genkaku and Ourin, looking for a share in the warmth.

"Bless you, Genkaku. You're doing a lot of good here," she mentioned, a pleasant smile adorning her features. Ourin nodded in agreement, though he continued to say nothing.

Kashisu, on the other hand, had moved next to Katsuo at the front of the group. He looked annoyed yet determined as he trekked alongside the other jounin of their group. He said not a word, which was likely due to the way his lips trembled much like the rest of his body.

The conditions were growing worse, and that was made all that more apparent when the five reached the third bridge.

"It's... it's completely covered in snow."

"Aye... chances are it won't hold our weight if we try to cross it under these conditions." Aozora bowed her head, knowing she hadn't the skills to solve a problem like this. Kashisu may have, but his initial reaction was to look between Katsuo and Genkaku for an answer.

[seiuchiblarg]

Snowed over... Damn. If it were only water, Katsuo could have cleared it away easily. Snow, however, was a different story... That was a form over which he had no control. He looked over to his team mates, trying to decide what to do. "I do have a jutsu that could push it all off. . . but it'd take a long while. If anybody else has a better idea, I'd be happy to here it." It didn't look good. Tunneling through all of it with nothing but his nails would be effective, and unlikely to work. There's also the powder, but that could damage the bridge itself... Katsuo had a couple of ways, and one of them was fairly quick, but none of them weere quite appealing to a group of half frozen travelers.

"Kashisu, surely as a ninja of your specialty, you have a means to clear these obstacles?" A chill wind picked up again, raising gooseflesh on Katsuo's skin. I don't look forward to staying the night any further up in these mountains... but we shouldn't stop here, either. Katsuo made a note that he may want to start collecting firewood. He wasn't sure just how high up they would get tonight, but they higher they got, the slimmer his pickings would get, and it'd be nice to have a means of staying warm that didn't drain Genkaku's chakra.

[Mortalvis]

[OoC: This timed out, Blarg. It's already been failed, so I dunno why you've posted.]

[Satorose]

OOC: I'll make something up for Fake Sei leaving I guess.

IC: As Katsuo got ahead of the group, he got too far ahead and came across an unstable area of ice and snow. After bumping into a small ledge it caved in like an avalanche right on top of Katsuo.

Genkaku quickly ran forward and helped Katsuo out from under the ruble; however, it was not before he was severely injured. Katsuo's left leg appeared to be broken, and it wasn't likely that he should continue, so after talking with Genkaku for awhile they both agreed that Katsuo could make it back to the Village safely on his own, and Genkaku and the rest of the group would go on without him.

As Katsuo headed back Genkaku and the rest of the Shinobi came to a bridge that was covered in snow or ice. Genkaku could try and melt the ice and snow away, but in doing so he could seriously damage the bridge so instead of trying anything on his own he spoke up to the rest of the gang, "So any of you got any ideas or abilities that might come in handy here?" Genkaku asked the group.

After he asked Genkaku stood there thinking to himself, 'Damn, I wish Katsuo hadn't of gotten hurt.' But all in all Genkaku knew this was all part of the Shinobi's life, now it was up to Genkaku to finish the mission.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

Kashisu's eyes seemed to lighten up with the request. He loved being useful and smiled slightly with an arrogant nod of his head. He didn't say anything, but stepped forward past both Ourin and Genkaku.

"Heh, get behind me... I'll take care of this." Kashisu seemed to like taking the lead and clasped his hands together as he formed a few seals. The chakra in his body was beginning to surge.


"When water connects with ice, the temperature difference causes the ice to melt at an alarming rate." As if on cue, the water materialized right before them. Everyone watched quietly as he completed his jutsu. It took several minutes, but after pouring countless batches of water, the snow was quickly deteriorating. It was vanishing right before their eyes.

"Wow... amazing" Ourin breathed in awe as the bridge was revealed before them. The Snow was gone, but replaced with a very wet and slushy foreground.

"Who first? It looks slick. "

JutsuShow

[Water Dose]
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After completely a quick seal, Kashisu is able to materialize a small dose of water within 25 meters of himself. It can be move and dropped onto a location. He can use this jutsu in conjunction with other jutsu.

[Satorose]

OOC: Sorry late post, kept forgetting to reply.

IC: Genkaku watched as Kashisu took care of the snow, by turning it into a slushy liquid, but not nearly as dangerous as the snow had been nor as heavy. "I still believe you all should go first, especially since Katsuo isn't here, that way I can diffidently react quick enough if I need to help any one of you!"

If any of them insisted for Genkaku to go before them, then he would; however, he thought it safer and wiser, to let them go first.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

And so... they reverted back to the slow process of one by one.

Kashisu had no problems and quickly made it to the other side. Since his success, he had a very confident air about himself. Easy as peas.

The girl was next and she was just as succesful. That left only Ourin and Genkaku....

"Wow, wah- Help!" Ourin cried. As careful as he had been, the slick water was just too much and bit away at his footsteps until he went under. In a last ditch effort, his hand shot out to grapple the rope railing. His body swung over the edge dangerously. Both Aozora and Kashisu turned in alarm. They looked to Genkaku in stress.

"I'm soo sorry! I-I..." Ourin moaned as he hung on for dead life.

Not much time before Ourins wild and frantic kicks would destroy the bridge.

[Satorose]

Genkaku quickly began sprinting forward at full speed applying a slight amount of chakra to his feet so he wouldn't slip most likely. He called out as he ran, "Grab hold of my arm!"

As Genkaku ran across the bridge the extra weight obviously was taking it's toll, the bridge was sinking lower and lower, it was close to breaking now. Genkaku ran up to Ourin held out his arm and reached for Ourin and kept running, it was up to Ourin to grab hold of his for this to be successful.

Assuming Ourin grabbed a hold of Genkaku's arm, the bridge was just about to fall, and Genkaku was holding Ourin's arm. He continued to run on the bridge taking a few last steps before leaping into the air he turned his body as he jumped so his back was facing Kashisu, and he jumped as high as he could with Ourin still on his arm. Literally moments before the bridge collapsed. Then Genkaku made the proper hand signs and shot out a jet of water from his mouth. That was why he had turned in the air, so his mouth would be facing the opposite direction they wanted to go. The jet of water shot out of Genkaku's mouth and shot both Ourin and Genkaku flying higher into the air. Ourin landed on top of the other sides cliff; however, Genkaku did not he was still holding onto Ourin's arm. Unlike earlier when Ourin was hanging over the edge, now Genkaku was hanging over the edge. Hopefully Ourin, and maybe the other two Shinobi if they were smart enough to help him, would be able to pull Genkaku over the side of the cliff and to safety.

It was time for the Ourin and the team to return the favor they owed Genkaku...

JutsuShow

*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

*Suimen Hokou no Waza [Act of Water Surface Walking]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
A variation on the Kinobori no Waza (Act of Tree Climbing), the art of water surface walking allows a ninja to walk on water as if it was a solid surface. Focusing an even amount of chakra out of the soles of their feet, they can balance themselves on the very surface of the water.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

It wasn't often that you saw such selfless acts as these. It happened rarely and they usually went untold. Such a sacrificial deed would probably go unnoticed and unheard by many back in Kumo, but for this young man; Ourin. He would never forget this day. It wasn't often for someone like him to brush with death and he gripped firmly to the Shinobi as he was pulled through the air. Genkaku had became his life support.

The bridge collapsed in a loud crash of wood and even as they soared through the air, they could hear the loud splintering of wood strike against the rocks. It was a long drop down. Falling meant death.

The boy landed with a thud into the snow. He had lived and everyone watched in horror as it seemed as if Genkaku had failed to make it across. The woman shinobi covered her eyes in fear. She had been so certain about what was to come.

"Hold on!" Ourin cried. Aozora and Kaishu dawned eyes upon the boy. Their mouths slightly widened and Kaishu stood frozen in mild surprise. Genkaka was still alive.

"Grab onto him!" Aozora exclaimed as she pointed in excitement. She quickly dashed to grab onto the boy. "Don't let go!"

Soon Kaishu had regained his senses and was rushing to join the fray. The whole group had gathered to cling onto the young Genkaku.

"1
2
HEAVE!" Kaishu bellowed as they slowly hauled their friend to surface. Crossing the bridge had became a group effort. Their strengths were ebbing, but they refused to let go. Ourin pulled and firmly gripped at his savior.

With a flurry of exhausted breaths and heaves, they managed to pull Genkaku to safety. Ourin was on his back, breathing hard from the small detour. It had pushed him past what he was use to. His finger nails were bleeding.

"Thank you," he weakly spoke from under his breath.

"Come now. Come on! We need to keep moving." Kaishu said as he pointed to the path ahead. "We don't want to get stuck up here at night."

[Satorose]

Genkaku was a man born and raised the right way. He was taught to value other people's lives as more important than his own, that was why a highly respected Jounin like himself, was willing to give his life for just a normal person. It also showed the people of Kumogakure or in this case, showed just a normal person of Kumogakure that the Shinobi of the Village truly did care about it's villagers. Now Genkaku was neing pulled up back onto ground, he stood up. It felt great... having something underneath his feet other than air.

Ourin was tired now after his near death experience. Genkaku wasn't really tired just somewhat surprised that he had nearly died, something he didn't expect to happen. He should have used a stronger Jutsu instead of risking their lives like he did. "You're welcome. Thanks back though, I owe you one. Anyhow I know you're tired Ourin, but sadly Kaishu is right we need to keep going because we don't want to be up here at night." After giving Ourin a moment to rest Genkaku started walking a few steps behind each of the group members so that there wouldn't be a surprise assault from behind or anything. And he assumed Kaishu was strong enough to lead for now...

[Yaku Fushinkou]

"Alright lets go." Kaishu stated bluntly as he led the pack. His eyes were more alert and open since the bridge experience. Everyone seemed uneasy since the excursion.

On word, they all began to make their ascent up the mountain. The pathways seemed pretty clear and they marched their way through the snow. The only real conflict was a small argument breaking between the group.

"Don't go so fast." Aozora protested as Kaishu parted a way from the group. He was getting farther and farther from the group.

"I'm scouting ahead, is that so much a problem."

"You could die and we'd have no idea."

"I'm a shinobi, It's not as easy as you think."

In defiance, he seemed to walk even faster from the group. Aozora and Kaishu were beginning to dislike the trek. Ourin looked to you with no idea what to say.

Who was right?


"You're being stubborn. Just stay put with the rest of us."

"No. I'm doing this FOR the group." he agrily yelled back. He pushed forward as he looked around.

[Satorose]

After Genkaku had heard enough of Kaishu's and Aozora's arguing he jumped into the conversation. "Being the highest ranking Shinobi of this group it's my responsibility to watch over all of you. Yes, even the ones who don't need or think they need watching over." Genkaku said. "So with that in mind, Kaishu I will continue to let you lead the group, but only if you can promise me that you will stay close and stop wondering so far."

Genkaku yelled what he said loud enough for Kaishu to hear him clearly even though he was starting to create some distance between the group and himself. 'Something is bound to happen to him.' Genkaku thought to himself, hoping he was wrong.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

Kaishu mumbled quietly to himself and let up, allowing for the group to catch up. He seemed to be in a rush, but this was more out of the coldness and goosebumps.

The group continued to walk for some way, they were probably now about 3/4ths up the mountain. They didn't have much left until they reached the summit. It had been roughly an hour of more bridges, small traps and other odd things filling their path.

It wasn't till a small rumble that the group came to a stop. Their constant pace had finally halted. A loud and ominous noise was growing larger and larger.

"AVALANCH!" Aozora shouted through the wind. Her voice was faint against the toppling mountain. As all of their eyes dawned, they would see the trampling and impending snow converging down the mountain side. It was coming right for them.

"GRAB onto SOMETHING!" Kaishu yelled as he looked around urgently. None of them had any ideas and they began to panic.

It was up to Genkaku...

[Satorose]

As Kaishu shouted aloud for everyone to grab onto something it struck Genkaku just what it was they were supposed to grab onto... HIMSELF!

Without thinking any further Genkaku shouted aloud, "Grab onto me, everyone get as close as possible, if you don't literally get right next to one another I cannot guarantee your safety!" It was going to be odd for Genkaku to have two men clinging onto him as tightly as he could, but it'd probably be even more odd for Aozora who was going to have three men she barely knew all up against her. Nonetheless once the group formed around Genkaku he quickly began making hand signs and moments before the Avalanche reached them a giant fire barrier went up around the group of people. The fire was extremely close to whoever was the farthest away from Genkaku, but so long as they held on tight they shouldn't get burned at least not too bad...

Genkaku would hold the Jutsu as long as he could, hopefully the Avalanche wouldn't take too long, and hopefully the long length of fire would melt the snow that would normally run over the group. Any excess snow that came in from overhead would either hit the group or maybe one of the other Shinobi could move enough to create some sort of protection. Either way Genkaku did all he could.

JutsuShow

Fire Barrier
B-Ranked Ninjutsu
First Genkaku makes the correct hand signs. Then utilizing the Katon element, Genkaku creates an offensive barrier of flames around himself. The barrier extends for five meters and lasts for three posts. Genkaku can freely move around inside of the barrier and as he moves so does the barrier, although the barrier of fire can only travel at a speed of 5. Although Genkaku is surrounded by fire, he can still see around him, as if his sight was normal, so nobody can sneak up on him simply because he couldn’t see past the flames. The burns can cause either second or third degree burns. Genkaku can also cancel out the Ninjutsu before the three posts if he so wishes to do so.

Edit: OOC: POST NUMBER ONE THOUSANDDDD! lololololol

[Yaku Fushinkou]

In such a dire situation. The group did the only thing that sounded reasonable... listen to the voices.

They frantically grabbed onto Genkaku just as his hands formed the seal. It was in the cover of his jutsu that they all watched the snow go left and right, but never hitting themselves. It melted in their path. It took several moments before everything could calm down.

They had lived.

"Whew... talk about close."

"l-lets hurry" Kaishu suggested with a slight hurry. This all seemed like a good idea to the rest of them. That avalanch was no accident.

---

It would be a half an hour later that the group came to the end of the path. Nothing, but a vertical climb upwards remained. It had to be only 20 meters of pure climbing and they would be at top.

"I'll stay down here... we only need two people up there anyways to see what's the problem."

Everyone looked around each other. Who would be the two to go and see it for themselves?

[Satorose]

Genkaku agreed that they should indeed get a move on to the top of the hill. It was getting late, and he didn't want to get caught in anymore unexpected surprises. So Genkaku ran with the rest of the group, making sure to stay close and not fall behind or get too far away, in-case anything else happened.

Luckily, nothing else bad happened, now they just had a short climb straight up and they'd reach their destination. "I'll go, of course, and I think Aozora should come with me, because we can both use the Tree Climbing Jutsu in order to safely climb this part of the mountain. It should be simple enough..."

Oh how Genkaku hoped his last words didn't jinx them.

Genkaku led whoever decided to come with him up the mountain, by applying some chakra to his feet then starting his climb...

JutsuShow

*Kinobori no Waza [Act of Tree Climbing]
D-Ranked Ninjutsu
Kinobori no Waza, the art of tree climbing serves a dual purpose. Taking part in Kinobori Shugyou (Tree Climbing Training) helps a ninja learn how to focus their chakra, and it also teaches them how to run up trees and walk up walls. The training helps the ninja learn how to focus just the right amount of chakra to a particular part of their body. The amount needed to climb is small but it must be precise. The feet are said to be the hardest location to learn how to master chakra focusing. So by gaining the art of this skill, the ninja will be able to have any jutsu available to him (theoretically) because she can focus chakra as needed. Next the chakra released must be properly controlled.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

Nothing was ever simple on this mountain.

Genkaku would learn this fairly soon in his endeavor up the side of the cliff. It wouldn't be long until he heard a small beeping sound. Three beeps and... boom. Aozora jumped back in reaction.

A quick explosion went off and shattered the rock slide. Kaishu dove to protect Ourin. Aozora jumped back in reaction.

"The side of the cliff is rigged!" Kaishu shouted through the dust and smoke. "Watch where you step."

[Satorose]

As Genkaku and Aozora were climbing up the side of the mountain a noise could be heard below Genkaku, it was near where Aozora was at the time. Genkaku stopped in his tracks, and boy oh boy would he soon be glad that he did, and looked back at Aozora. She was now jumping off of the cliff back down to the ground to safety. As she fell an explosion went off. And moments after that Kaishu shouted that the mountain was rigged.

"You alright, Aozora?" Without waiting for a full blown answer, Genkaku continued speaking, "Stay down there whether you are or not, I don't want anyone getting hurt when it's un-needed, I'll climb the rest myself, stay safe you did great!"

Even when danger was all around him Genkaku did the best he could to boost the moral of his team, and hopefully it worked. Now turning his attention back to the cliff, Genkaku looked where he would have placed his foot next. The shade of rock and ice was slightly different there, but only ever so slighty, than on the rest of the mountain wall. Avoiding that spot Genkaku walked a little to the side then back up again. As Genkaku got higher the odd colored spots became more and more often. However, Genkaku maneuvered through them the best he could.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

The top..

The whole excursion had came down to this moment. The chill air bit at his skin and the loud breeze pulled at his ears. It would hurt to stay up here too long. Luckily... all he needed was a look.

And what a frightening look it was....

A small peak could tell Genkaku everything. The top of the summit was a... a graveyard? Nothing, but bones littered the rocky earth. Human bones and animal bones mixed together. Each had been picked clean and thrown aside as if trash. So this was the problem with the village?

Nothing, but silence. The ominous feeling over the dead had installed a thick and pale scent. If only the group knew what Genkaku had seen, they would understand. This was nothing that he could have expected.

The view was not over. Some of the bones had been nestled into a small nest. It had become a creatures home. Large gigantic feathers could be seen here and there. The top of the mountain was a pig sty and caked with snow.

CAAAAW!

The roar of the beast. As the jounins eyes dawned, he would be welcomed with the blank stare of a large bird. Not just large, but an incredible size. It was easily 20 meters long with a large and thick body. Its beak could swallow a human whole. It had used the isolated village as a feeding ground. This had been their mission. They had succeeded... they just needed to... survive?

The bird cawed into the air once more. It had gotten full sight of Genkaku as well and was stretching its wings. It seemed rather intelligent and far from a sensless creature. This beast had full intention to swallow him alive on this mountain.

It was time to run...

[Satorose]

As Genkaku looked across the land a little ways ahead of him, not only did his ears and face hurt from the freezing cold weather, but so did his eyes, but for a different reason. He could see no human life... All that was there was bones, bones, and mo-- a giant bird? 'What the...' Was all that ran through Genkaku's mind at this point in time.

After freezing for that moment Genkaku saw the bird start to spread its wings... Turning around Genkaku screamed at his allies, "RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!"


Hopefully by the tone in his voice his teammates would know he was not joking, and they would RUN. Genkaku was in another situation, though. He had just climbed 60 feet at a pretty slow rate, after all there were bombs rigged to go off on touch right below him. Almost without thinking, and more out of reaction Genkaku ran to the side of the cliff and jumped...

He sailed through the air, but as he did so, hand signs also started. And literally 8 feet before he would have hit the ground and probably broken his legs, a jet of water came out of his mouth aimed at the ground. With the pressure of his body falling at such speeds, and the jet of water basically just canceled it out instead of sending him flying back up. As the jet of water from Genkaku's mouth stopped, he landed on both legs safely and continued sprinting... Pulling his sword out from off his back, Genkaku held it tight prepared to make some hand signs in-case that thing kept following them...

JutsuShow

*Suiton • Funsha [Water Element • Jet]
E-Ranked Ninjutsu
Suiton • Funsha is a jutsu similar to Suiton • Mizurappa by the fact that the user expels a strong jet of water out. However, unlike the Suiton • Mizurappa, the Suiton • Funsha is designed to instead force the user to be "flung" and alter the users direction in mid-air, or fling them into the air by the force of the water itself.

[Yaku Fushinkou]

The bird swooped in to swallow Genkaku in whole. It looked like a tasty morsel and the bird quickly rose to full height. Its large fame was oddly fast and had been right up in front of the jounin in a matter of moments. As Genkaku dove, the beak would come in to bite, but in an unexpected turn... the bird was awestruck to see the jounin flinging through the air... he would surely die.

Not even the bird could match the speed of gravity. It was actually impressed and pulled back ever slightly. The long distance down was too far to travel. It was only lucky that it had such poor eye sight and could not even see far enough to witness the fleeing humans.

They had survived... this time.